Makerere University proudly celebrates the recognition of Mr. Mordecai Tayebwa, Senior Grants Manager, Makerere University Lung Institute and Ms. Bonny Tusiime, Grants and Contracts Officer, Makerere University College of Health of Sciences (MakCHS) as recipients of the prestigious Future of the Field Award of Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), an international recognition that Honors emerging leaders making outstanding contributions to the advancement of research administration. This year’s ‘Future of the Field’ honorees were formally recognized at SRAI’s Annual Meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA in October, 2026.

The Future of the Field Award recognizes professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening research management and administration. The award celebrates individuals whose work is shaping the future of the profession by improving research support systems, fostering collaboration, and advancing excellence in research administration.

At Makerere University, Mr. Tayebwa and Ms. Tusiime have played key roles in strengthening grants and contracts management, supporting researchers throughout the grant lifecycle, promoting compliance with sponsor requirements, and contributing to the development of sustainable research management systems. Their efforts have enhanced institutional capacity to attract, manage, and administer competitive research funding while ensuring accountability and excellence. Commenting on the recognition, the award recipients expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of research administration. “This recognition reflects not only our individual efforts but also the collaborative environment at  MakCHS and Makerere University. It inspires us to continue strengthening research administration and supporting researchers in generating impactful scientific discoveries that improve lives.” They said.

The achievement highlights the growing international recognition of research administration professionals in Africa and underscores Makerere University and MakCHS’s  general commitment to building strong research support systems that enable world-class research. This also reflects the institution’s investment in professional development and its dedication to advancing research excellence through effective grants management.

Commenting on the award, Dara C. Little, President, (SRAI) said “In a field as dynamic and rapidly evolving as research administration, the need for visionary,adaptable leaders have never been greater,” . “SRAI’s Future of the Field recipients represent the next generation of changemakers – those who will not only navigate complexity but shape the future of our profession. To embrace change, is to lead your innovation, resilience, and leadership are exactly what this moment demands. Rise to the opportunity and you will do great things!”

Makerere University congratulates Mr. Mordecai Tayebwa and Ms. Bonny Tusiime on this significant achievement and wishes them continued success as they contribute to shaping the future of research administration both regionally and globally

The Unit-Based ORCID Sensitization and System Capture of Researcher Identification Workshop was held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, commencing at 9:00 a.m. at the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University. The workshop was facilitated by the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU).

The workshop was opened by Prof. Robert Wamala – Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP). In his remarks, Prof. Wamala emphasised the importance of ORCID in strengthening researcher identification, improving the visibility and discoverability of Makerere University‘s research outputs, and ensuring accurate attribution of scholarly contributions.

Prof. Wamala highlighted the need to move beyond individual ORCID registration towards systematic institutional adoption, including the accurate capture and validation of researchers’ ORCID identifiers in relevant University information systems. He underscored the importance of coordinated implementation at unit level, recognising the critical roles of College Librarians, Library staff and the Directorate of Graduate Training in supporting ORCID adoption among academic staff, researchers and graduate students.

Prof. Wamala appreciated RENU for facilitating the engagement and encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained into practical action within their respective units. The workshop marked an important step in Makerere University‘s efforts to strengthen researcher identification, improve research visibility and enhance the institutional management and tracking of scholarly outputs.

The opening session also featured remarks from the University Librarian Prof. Ruth Nalumaga and Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance, who underscored the importance of ORCID in strengthening research visibility, scholarly communication and institutional research information management. Their contributions highlighted the need for collaboration across the Library, Quality Assurance, Graduate Training and DRIP to support effective ORCID adoption and integration into University processes.

The workshop provided an opportunity to sensitise participants on ORCID and strengthen their capacity to support its adoption and system capture within their respective units. The participation of College Librarians, Library staff and the Directorate of Graduate Training was particularly strategic in supporting researchers and graduate students to establish and maintain their ORCID profiles.

The workshop was attended by College Librarians and Library Staff; Representatives from the Directorate of Graduate Training; Directorate of Quality Assurance and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships. Their participation was intended to strengthen awareness, institutional coordination and practical support for ORCID adoption across the University.

The engagement, marked a collaborative step towards institutionalizing ORCID at Makerere University and strengthening the University’s capacity to identify, track and showcase its research contributions globally.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, a Senior Lecturer at the College of Natural Sciences, has earned international recognition after winning First Place in the Charles Wambebe Innovation Award – Academic Category and receiving an Honourable Mention for Best Oral Presenter at the 3^rd International Congress of the African Phytomedicine Scientific Society (APSS 2026), held at The Capital, Zimbali Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The congress brought together researchers, academics and industry stakeholders to discuss advances in medicinal-plant research, phytomedicine and natural product development. The event provided an international platform for showcasing African scientific research and exploring ways of translating indigenous knowledge and biodiversity into practical innovations.

In addition to the two recognitions, Dr. Nabatanzi was invited to deliver a keynote address, highlighting her contribution to research on African medicinal plants and their potential nutraceutical applications.

First Place in the Charles Wambebe Innovation Award: Honouring a legacy in African phytomedicine

The most significant recognition was winning First Place in the Charles Wambebe Innovation Award – Academic Category. The award is named in honour of the late Professor Charles Obadiah Nimma Wambebe (1946–2022), a distinguished Nigerian pharmacologist whose work made significant contributions to the advancement of African phytomedicine. Professor Wambebe was a pioneer in the scientific investigation and development of medicines from African medicinal plants. He championed the integration of indigenous medical knowledge with rigorous scientific research, demonstrating the potential of African biodiversity to contribute to pharmaceutical innovation.

One of his most notable contributions was his role in the development of Niprisan, a standardised plant-derived formulation researched for the management of sickle cell disorder. This work became an important example of translating traditional medicinal-plant knowledge into a scientifically investigated phytomedicine. He also served as the founding Director-General of Nigeria’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), contributing to pharmaceutical research, development and scientific capacity building. His achievements earned him international recognition, including The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Award in Medical Sciences.

Of particular significance to Makerere University, Professor Wambebe also served as an Honorary Professor of Pharmacology at the University. This connection makes the recognition especially meaningful to the institution and to a Makerere academic whose work is similarly committed to exploring the scientific and practical value of medicinal plants. The award celebrates the legacy of a scientist who believed in the capacity of African researchers to transform indigenous knowledge and natural resources into scientifically investigated products. It recognises innovation in the development of phytopharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products, particularly research that progresses beyond academic investigation towards practical applications.

Winning First Place in this category is therefore an important distinction. It recognises not simply an idea, but the research, development and innovation behind a product with potential for wider application and commercialisation.

The award-winning innovation: From botanical research to cosmeceutical products

The innovation presented at APSS 2026 was developed through Aurene Aura, a science-led skincare brand founded by Dr. Nabatanzi.

Two flagship products featured in the innovation presentation were:

• Aurene Cera Anti-Aging Cream
• Aurene Glow Lotion

The product-development work brings together phytomedicine research, formulation development and product evaluation. The selected plants include Panax ginseng roots, Centella asiatica leaves, Glycyrrhiza glabra roots and Kigelia africana fruits. The research has involved bioactivity evaluation of the plants used in the formulations, alongside extensive investigation of Kigelia africana fruits (LC-MS, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity) to explore their potential as a source of bioactive compounds for cosmeceutical applications. The formulations combine selected botanical ingredients with established cosmetic actives. Product evaluation has included physicochemical assessment, with recorded pH values of approximately 5.5 ± 0.2 for Aurene Cera and 5.6 ± 0.1 for Aurene Glow.

The innovation demonstrates how academic research can inform locally developed cosmeceutical products and create opportunities for value addition, entrepreneurship and commercialisation. It also highlights the potential of African plant resources in a competitive global skincare industry.

A special book presented alongside the award

As part of the First Place innovation award presentation, Dr. Nabatanzi also received a special gift: Aquatic Plants: Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications, edited by Professor Namrita Lall.

The book explores the pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications of aquatic plants, making it a particularly fitting gift in recognition of research and innovation centred on the potential of natural resources.

Honourable Mention for Best Oral Presenter

In addition to the innovation award, Dr. Nabatanzi received an Honourable Mention for Best Oral Presenter. This recognition acknowledged the scientific presentation and its communication to an international audience. It highlights the importance of not only conducting relevant research but also presenting scientific findings effectively and contributing to international academic discourse.

Keynote address: African Medicinal Plants in Oncology – Exploring Their Nutraceutical Potentials

Dr. Nabatanzi also delivered a keynote address titled:

“Oncology Medicinal Plants and Their Nutraceutical Values in Africa: A Comprehensive Overview and Case Study of Kigelia africana and Spathodea campanulata.”

The presentation examined the scientific and nutritional relevance of African medicinal plants, focusing on Kigelia africana and Spathodea campanulata. It explored the importance of investigating plant-derived bioactive compounds and their potential nutraceutical applications, while emphasising the need for rigorous scientific evidence in evaluating their properties and possible health benefits. The keynote contributed to discussions on the value of African biodiversity, the scientific investigation of indigenous plant resources and the opportunities for African researchers to advance research in phytomedicine and nutraceutical science.

Dr. Nabatanzi’s participation as a keynote speaker is featured on the official APSS 2026 speakers’ page. View: APSS 2026 Official Speakers’ Page

Advancing Makerere University‘s research and innovation agenda

The achievements at APSS 2026 demonstrate the contribution of Makerere University researchers to international scientific engagement and the development of innovations informed by African biodiversity. The First Place Charles Wambebe Innovation Award is particularly significant because it connects contemporary research and product development with the legacy of a scientist who championed African-led pharmaceutical innovation and had an academic association with Makerere University. For Dr. Nabatanzi, the recognitions affirm the importance of research that bridges scientific investigation, effective communication and practical innovation. They also provide encouragement to emerging African scientists to explore the potential of local natural resources, strengthen scientific evidence and pursue research that can contribute to new products, enterprises and solutions for society. The achievements reflect Makerere University‘s commitment to research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship and global engagement, while reinforcing the importance of translating academic knowledge into meaningful impact.

Makerere University congratulates Dr. Alice Nabatanzi on these achievements and celebrates her contribution to advancing African scientific research and innovation.